Instead, it was the Minnesota Timberwolves spoiling James' 38-point gem with a 116-104 victory in Game 3 behind a career night from Jaden McDaniels and another potential torch-passing performance from Anthony Edwards -- who could be on his way to his third dethronement of an all-time great in the past two seasons.

Only 13 teams have overcome a 3-1 series deficit in the playoffs, and James and the Cavs are the only team to do it in the NBA Finals. After Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers will need to be the 14th team in NBA playoffs history to achieve this near-miraculous feat if they want to advance to the second round.